Overview of LoungeBuddy - What Does It Offer?
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LoungeBuddy is an English-language service that often comes up in Google search results when looking for information about lounges at different airports. We found out what the service is and how travellers can benefit from it. Read our article to find out who LoungeBuddy can add value to.
Covered in the Article
Airport Lounges
Airport lounges are quiet waiting areas where passengers can relax before their flight for a small fee. The lounges are usually located near the departure gates after security checks, but at some airports, they are already there before security. Passport control may take place before or after a lounge visit and sufficient time should be allowed. Almost without exception, lounges offer a free self-service beverage service including hot and cold drinks. Alcoholic beverages are common, especially in Western airports, but may be restricted in conservative countries. Snack-type food is served and many lounges also offer hot food options for lunch and dinner.
Lounge access is almost always included in the ticket price for business and first-class passengers, but economy class passengers can also access certain lounges, usually for a one-off fee of around €20-60. It's good value for money, as the lounges offer services and catering for the price of admission, and have a quieter atmosphere compared to the general areas of the airport.
LoungeBuddy - Useful Airport Lounge Information
LoungeBuddy is an American website that provides comprehensive information on airport lounges around the world. The site also allows you to buy one-way tickets to some of the lounges featured on the site. Unfortunately, LoungeBuddy only accepts American Express cards as a means of payment, which negates much of the benefits of the service. Indeed, Amex cards often include a free Priority Pass, which allows access to many lounges only on presentation of a membership card. Only the lowest levels of Amex cards do not have this benefit, which is where LoungeBuddy can come in handy.
LoungeBuddy's biggest benefit is its information content. The site provides easy access to information about the different airport lounge options, their services and how to get inside the lounges. However, for one-time admission, we recommend purchasing access on the Lounge Pass website, which accepts a wide range of different types of payment cards. Admission to Plaza Premium lounges can be purchased directly from Plaza Premium.
The Past of LoungeBuddy
LoungeBuddy used to be a more comprehensive source of information on lounges. The site published reviews and useful articles. It was possible to buy access to lounges with almost any payment card. This changed after American Express bought the site and made it more limited.
Who Benefits from LoungeBuddy?
People Looking for Reliable Information
LoungeBuddy is a great starting point for English-speaking passengers who want to read about the different airport lounges. LoungeBuddy gives a good introduction to lounges at Helsinki airport, for example. As the site is American, its main target audience is American American Express cardholders.
American Express Cardholders
LoungeBuddy is a low-cost site for buying lounge visits if you have an American Express card in your wallet. Any level of the card will do. As a rule, many people apply for American Express Gold or Platinum cards, which already include comprehensive lounge benefits. Therefore, LoungeBuddy may no longer provide significant added value. However, if the lounge benefits of your American Express card are already used up and you want to buy one-off lounge tickets, LoungeBuddy is an option.
Travellers with iPhone
LoungeBuddy has an app for iPhone users. The app provides a lounge information package on your phone, so the information collected by the site is always close at hand.
Common Questions
- What is LoungeBuddy?
- LoungeBuddy is a good source of information about airport lounges. The service also sells lounge admissions to American Express cardholders
- What payment methods does LoungeBuddy accept?
- Unfortunately, LoungeBuddy only accepts American Express cards.
- Why does LoungeBuddy only accept American Express cards?.
- American Express owns the service.
- Are there other services like LoungeBuddy?
- Yes. For example, British Lounge Pass is a comprehensive information service about lounges.
- Where can I buy admission to airport lounges?
- We think Lounge Pass is the best service for this. LoungeBuddy is also a good option if you have an American Express card.
- How much does it cost to get into a lounge?
- Usually, the price is between 20 and 60 euros per visit.
Bottom Line
LoungeBuddy was once a viable competitor to Lounge Pass. When American Express bought the company, its target audience was significantly reduced and the site's information content became more limited. In our view, American Express wanted to buy a competitor out of the market, which was unfortunate from a customer perspective.
LoungeBuddy still exists, however, and provides basic information on airport lounges. Although the site has become less useful over time, it's worth visiting before flying to a new airport. Indeed, the site presents information about airport lounges in a clear format.
Where do you buy airport lounge visits? Comment below!
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